4 Days in Portland, Oregon
Travel ItineraryItinerary Introduction
Portland is a place that breaks records. Long ago it seems to have been decided that the city must set fresh records in whatever category imagination can conjure. Containing the smallest garden, largest bookshop, and most microbreweries in the US – amongst many others – the city appears close to completing this vision. Portland is the biggest city in Oregon and a hub of the Pacific Northwest coast. Although sometimes overshadowed by its larger Washington State rival, Seattle, there’s plenty of activities and sites to explore in this wacky and alternative city. Perched on the outflow of the Columbia River basin, Portland has for decades been known as a port city specialising in the timber and maritime trade industries. Though once considered a place of gangs and crime, Portland has now grown into a city that accepts counter-culture values and unconventional views. Portland has embraced its new status as a progressive city. From the 1970s it began to establish itself as a home for social activism. Young people began to move into Portland in the 90s creating a surge of new entertainment areas and a booming selection of places to go and things to see. One such feature is its food cart scene. As a result, Portland has often been cited as the best US city for street food. Portland has more subtlety to its streets than other larger cities in the US. There are fewer outstanding monuments or landmarks. It’s a city that is intriguing, unusual, but undeniably endearing. Many travellers who visit often say they can see themselves living there. It’s the allure of that lifestyle – strong enough to tame any wayfarer – that makes Portland such a special place. Image Credits: Zack Spear on UnsplashUseful information about Portland, Oregon
The history of Portland, Oregon
Portland has a historic past and was founded in the 1830s as the terminus point to the Oregon Trail. This was a trade route used by travelling wagons and immigrating people stretching from Missouri, 2,170 miles across the Mid-West, to Portland.A fun fact from Portland, Oregon
Portland has many nicknames which further embrace its quirky attitude. It’s called the “City of Roses” due to the numerous rose gardens and rose beds that line the streets. In the 20th century, it coined the name “Stumptown” due to the rapid deforestation from wood cutting. Others know Portland as “Bridgetown”, “Portlandia”, and "Rip City".The language in Portland, Oregon
American/English. Some Spanish is spoken in Mexican communities.Best times to visit Portland, Oregon
Portland is characterised by warm and mild summers with cold and rainy winters. Due to its position on the Pacific coast, it receives gusts of warm, moist air brought about by deep ocean currents. As a result, often it can be a blizzard in the nearby Cascade Mountains, whilst Portland receives milder temperatures and rainfall. Compared to other areas in the Pacific Northwest such as Vancouver (British Columbia) and Seattle (Washington State) the city has the warmest average temperature, the most hours of sunshine, and the lowest rainfall and snowfall. However, it’s hard to escape the often-overcast days in the winter months! Summer is a great time to enjoy walks along the river and in the parks. Visitors in July should aim to coincide their trip with the Oregon Brewers Festival, the largest outdoor craft beer festival in North America.Getting to Portland, Oregon
Portland has an international airport on the edge of the Columbia River. From the airport, it's a 30 minute drive/taxi to Downtown or 50 minutes on the Max Red Line train.Getting around in Portland, Oregon
Portland is a very pedestrian-friendly city with good transport links to the main districts. Blocks in Portland are 200 feet long and it’s easy to walk between the city’s labelled quadrants. The city is neatly bisected into east and west by the Willamette River and north and south by Burnside Street. The Max Light Rail forms the foundation of the city’s transport options. Services are frequent and run every 15 minutes, daily. It’s $5 for a day pass and the line connects Portland city centre with the suburbs and airport. The Portland Streetcar flows through Downtown and up along the east bank of the Willamette River. You can hop on and hop off using the Hop ticket scanners. TriMet also runs the bus services in the city using the same Hop ticket scanners.Local cuisine in Portland, Oregon
Food carts rule supreme in Portland. With its buzzing food scene, it would be fair to say cuisines from all over the world are represented in Portland. Oh, and donuts. Donuts are big in Portland!Tipping in Portland, Oregon
As with many cities in the US, tipping is expected. Anywhere from 15-20% upwards is generally considered acceptable.Where to stay in Portland, Oregon
If you want to be in the heart of the action, there’s no better place to stay than Downtown. Nearby, in the northwest of Portland, there’s also the Pearl District. An affluent and densely populated area. It’s close to many of the main sites and is filled with upscale eateries and more sophisticated accommodation options – though, you will pay a premium in this area! B&B options are common in the eastern residential districts if you’re looking for a more homely stay. In Northeast Portland, there’s a cluster of well-known motel chains that offer budget accommodation.Safety in Portland, Oregon
Unfortunately there is a large homeless population in Portland where drug use is rife. Theft can occur. There are certain areas of the city that are worse than others but most of the touristy areas are safe. All the usual precautions of locking your car and not leaving valuables on display are recommended.Alternative locations
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Mount Hood - Oregon coastlinePortland, Oregon - Travel Itinerary
Day 1
Donuts & Parks
International Rose Test Garden
Notes
Begin your day with a refreshing walk around the rose gardens in Washington Park.
Getting there
There's plenty of parking in Washington Park if you're driving. Alternatively, you can catch the number 63 Washington Park shuttle bus.
Blue Star Donuts
Notes
Time for a mid-morning coffee and donut break. Don't be surprised if you spend longer than planned here trying different donut flavours!
Getting there
If you're driving, it's advisable to park in a multi-story or along the street so you can explore the rest of the Downtown area on foot. You can also walk from Washington Park to the Downtown in 25 minutes.
Travel time
0 hours 25 minutesPortland Art Museum
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | 25.00 USD | |
Students | 22.00 USD | |
Members | 0.00 USD | |
Kids | 0.00 USD | Under 17 |
Seniors | 22.00 USD |
Notes
After your morning walk, coffee, and donuts, it's time for a bit of cultural sightseeing before lunch.
Getting there
The museum is a short 10-minute walk along SW Jefferson St.
Travel time
0 hours 10 minutesMill Ends Park
Notes
After lunch in Downtown, it's time to head east to the Willamette River.
Getting there
You can catch the MAX RED or MAX BLUE tram line to Yamhill District which is right on the river. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, it's about a 15-20 minute walk to reach the river.
Travel time
0 hours 15 minutesTom McCall Waterfront Park
Notes
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking along the promenade at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This is a great opportunity to see more of Portland's famous bridges and to enjoy the views of the Willamette River.
Getting there
The Tom McCall Waterfront Park is in the same area as the Mill Ends Park. It's now your decision to see how far you want to explore along the waterfront!
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesMcMenamins Blue Moon Tavern & Grill
Notes
After an afternoon relaxing at your accommodation, it's time to head in the direction of Nob Hill to explore a little more of Portland after dark.
Getting there
McMenamins Blue Moon Tavern & Grill is in the Northwest of Portland, between Nob Hill and Goose Hollow. It's on NW 21st Ave alongside numerous other bars and restaurants.
Day 2
Historic Portland
Stepping Stone Café
Notes
After the previous night, you might want a bit of a rest this morning. Head to the Stepping Stone Cafe for a cup of coffee and a big stack of pancakes to get you in the mood for the day!
Getting there
The cafe is in a similar area to McMenamins Blue Moon Tavern & Grill but further north in central Nob Hill. NW 23rd Avenue is the closer main road that's accessible by the number 15 bus.
Forest Park
Notes
Forest Park is a large nature area that can be spent all day exploring. The southern edge is the closest point to the city. From here there are many trailheads to access the park from.
Getting there
There's parking spots along the NW Cornell Road. Alternatively, there's a pleasant (albeit steep) walk from the Stepping Stone Cafe up into Forest Park.
Witch’s Castle
Notes
One of the early highlights in Forest Park is the Witch's Castle. You can start your walk here and then venture further north into the park using the network of hiking trails.
Getting there
The Witch's Castle is on the Wildwood Trail near Balch Creak. It is only a short 10-15 minute walk from the parking area on NW Cornell Road.
Travel time
0 hours 15 minutesPittock Mansion
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | 13.00 USD | |
Students | 9.00 USD | |
Members | 0.00 USD | |
Kids | 0.00 USD | Under 6 |
Seniors | 11.00 USD |
Notes
You've enjoyed the Portland woods, but it's now time to get a better view of the city and to admire some of its historic architecture.
Getting there
You can access Pittock Mansion via the south side of the parking area on NW Cornell Road. There's a 1.4 mile walk that continues along the Wildwood Trail. The hike should take no longer than 30 minutes. Alternatively, there is a parking lot at Pittock Mansion, but you have to loop around the hills to get to it. Driving time is about 15 minutes.
Travel time
0 hours 30 minutesPowell's City of Books
Notes
After lots of walking and outdoor activities, the afternoon will be spent with a bit of downtime. After browsing the endless shelves, buy a tea and sit in the cafe reading your new book whilst the world goes by outside.
Getting there
Powell's is back in Downtown. Again you can use on-street parking. Alternatively, the W Burnside & SW 10th is the closest bus stop. There's also the NW 10th & Couch street car stop right around the corner.
Travel time
0 hours 30 minutesMcMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Notes
Get on your dancing shoes, it's time to sample some of Portland's nightlife - in a building of great historic value no less. It's worth booking tickets in advance as some of the popular events sell out.
Getting there
Located on W Bernside Street, just off highway 405.
Day 3
Food Glorious Food
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Notes
As usual in Portland, the best way to start the day is by stopping for a cup of coffee at one of their famous roasteries.
Getting there
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is in Downtown, not far from Burnside Bridge.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | 12.95 USD | |
Students | 9.95 USD | |
Members | 0.00 USD | |
Kids | 0.00 USD | Under 5 |
Seniors | 11.95 USD |
Notes
With the frantic pace of the last couple of days, today is about winding down and relaxing. In the Lan Su Chinese Garden, you can do exactly it. This is a place to relax, admire the gardens, and have some downtime in a serene location.
Getting there
The gardens are directly north from Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a 5-minute walk up NW 3rd Avenue.
Travel time
0 hours 10 minutesFood Carts
Notes
For the bulk of the day, you can now go on a food tour around Portland. The food carts are one of its most famous aspects after all and it's a great idea to sample dishes from lots of different areas to get the full flavour of the scene.
Getting there
The food carts really are sprinkled throughout the city. Try to pick a few cuisines you really want to try and make your way on foot around the "pods" in the area.
Cascade Brewing Barrel House
Notes
Round off the day by washing down your meals with some great cask ales.
Getting there
SE Grand & Belmont Northbound is the closest station on the light rail. SE Belmont & 9th on the number 15 is the closest bus stop.
Travel time
0 hours 30 minutesDay 4
Goodbye Portland
Portland Farmer’s Market
Notes
Hopefully, you can coincide your trip with the weekend to visit this Saturday market. If not, there are other options for farmer's markets around Portland. Check out the Portland Farmers Market at Shemanski Park (open Wednesdays) or the Lloyd Farmer's Market (open Tuesdays).
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | 15.00 USD | |
Students | 10.50 USD | |
Seniors | 12.00 USD |
Notes
You can also book cinema tickets at the OMSI if you want to catch a movie while you're there.
Getting there
On the east bank of the Willamette River. The OMSI has its own parking space and a designated stop on the light rail making it very easy to access.
Mount Tabor Park
Notes
Nice place for a stroll to get one last view of Portland on your final evening.
Getting there
There's plenty of parking around Mt Tabor. Alternatively, it can be reached by heading east along SE Division St on the number 2 bus.
Travel time
0 hours 10 minutesAbout the author
I have visited nearly 50 countries so far with some of my favourite destinations being: New Zealand, Norway, Japan, Mongolia, Iceland. I love hiking and all activities that involve exploring the outdoors. If you're interested in nature, walking, and adventures outdoors then you're going to enjoy my articles! Check out my website for some other travel blogs from around the world: https://mattwalkwild.com/ .
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